In a move aimed at strengthening digital safety and preventing cybercrime, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a set of precautionary instructions for users, focusing on securing digital devices and personal data.
The authority emphasized the importance of device-level security, urging citizens to adopt strong passwords on computers and mobile phones. It further advised the use of biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint scanning and facial recognition to enhance protection against unauthorized access.
In its advisory, the PTA highlighted the growing risks associated with unsecured devices and outdated software, encouraging users to regularly update the software and security systems on all digital gadgets. “A safe digital environment begins with user awareness and proactive protection measures,” the PTA said in a statement.
The guidelines also addressed the safeguarding of personal data, recommending that users save important documents, contacts, and photos on external storage devices rather than relying solely on internal phone memory. This, according to the authority, helps ensure that sensitive information remains accessible even in case of device loss or damage.
A particular focus was placed on the digital safety of children. The PTA urged parents to activate parental control features on smartphones and tablets to restrict access to inappropriate content and applications. “Parents must play an active role in managing their children's digital habits to reduce exposure to harmful material,” the statement noted.
Additionally, users were reminded to fully format their mobile phones before reselling or discarding them, in order to avoid misuse of stored data by potential buyers.
These recommendations come amid an uptick in cybercrime complaints across the country, with officials warning that digital negligence can lead to financial loss, data breaches, and identity theft.
The PTA reiterated its commitment to building a secure digital ecosystem and urged the public to stay vigilant, stay informed, and take advantage of modern tools to protect themselves online.
